Ohio State Marion Associate Professor of Mathematics Education, Dr. Aina K. Appova was recently awarded $100,000 for a new partnership grant with Columbus City Schools (CCS). This is a 2-year project that is focused on Developing Elementary Students’ Early Algebra Skills and Algebraic Reasoning.
The purpose of this partnership between College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE) and Columbus City Schools (CCS), said Dr. Appova, is to support the school district in addressing educational issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, while also advancing the work of Ohio State's College of Education and Human Ecology faculty research for two years in the school district.
According to Dr. Appova, this initiative is designed to support investigations that examine new areas of research, not those previously funded or ongoing research projects. Research project will address initial strategies for providing equitable and adequate educational opportunities in mathematics that address the impact of COVID-19 on students, educators, and staff, focusing on evidence-based strategies, including: 1) Meeting students’ social, emotional, mental, and physical health, and academic needs, including meeting basic student needs; reengaging students; and providing access to a safe and inclusive learning environments; 2) Addressing the impact of COVID-19 on students’ opportunity to learn, including closing the digital divide; implementing strategies for accelerating learning; effectively using data; and addressing resource inequities; and 3) Supporting mathematics teachers in mathematics professional development to help build a diverse, equitable, and qualified educator workforce environment.